Ryokan Shimizu (Ryokan), Kyoto (Japan) deals

Ryokan
Ryokan Shimizu

This neighbourhood is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, sightseeing and history – Check location
600-8317 Kyoto, Kyoto, Shimogyo-ku Shichijo dori Wakamiya agaru Kagiyacho 644, Japan
–
This neighbourhood is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, sightseeing and history – Check location
Excellent location - show map

Excellent location — rated 9.1/10! (score from 423 reviews)

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Ryokan Shimizu

Lock in a great price for Ryokan Shimizu - rated 9.3 by recent guests.

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*8.1* Kyoto Tower: only 6 minutes away! (500 yards on foot)

Lock in a great price for Ryokan Shimizu - rated 9.3 by recent guests.

Fantastic service by owners. Smooth check in and luggage storage from 8am so we could explore Kyoto after arriving by overnight bus from Tokyo. Came home at 8.30pm and luggages was in room and bed set!

JennaAustralia

Staff is very nice, the private onsen is amazing for relaxing after the day.

RaphaelFrance

Convenient location for accessing Kyoto station. Staff were incredibly hospitable, and helpful. Rooms were very clean, and immaculately prepared prior to arrival. Private bath available for booking, and was very relaxing.

BradleyAustralia

The option for a reservation for a private time for the bath was very nice! And the hosts are very friendly, welcoming and helpful with further information for Kyoto :-)

PiaSwitzerland

The hotel owners are nice, many restaurants around hotel.

HonMacao

Nice people, gave us tips on where to eat and go in Kyoto. Futons were comfortable and clean. Hosts gave us souvenirs and picture. It was a private room with tatami mats for that traditional feel.

SheilaUSA

Great location, super clean and quiet. Staff could not have been more helpful with advice on the local attractions, bringing us hot tea on arrival and every time we returned from our days out. A lovely oasis

JackieUnited Kingdom

The ryokan is located near Kyoto station and is easly reachable in few minutes by walking. The room was confortable and clean. The hosts are professional, helpful and very kind. There is a private onsen. Our staying was perfect. Absolutely recommended!

FlaviaItaly

Great location. 7-10 min walking distance from Kyoto station.
No food is served on the premises but the hosts are prepared with information and guidance to help guests find good places for all meals.
The ryokan is extremely clean and quiet.
The hosts speak basic English, enough to get by and are super nice.

“Fantastic service by owners. Smooth check in and luggage storage from 8am so we could explore Kyoto after arriving by overnight bus from Tokyo.”

Jenna
Australia

“Staff is very nice, the private onsen is amazing for relaxing after the day.”

Raphael
France

“Convenient location for accessing Kyoto station. Staff were incredibly hospitable, and helpful. Rooms were very clean, and immaculately prepared prior to arrival.”

Bradley
Australia

“The option for a reservation for a private time for the bath was very nice! And the hosts are very friendly, welcoming and helpful with further information for Kyoto :-)”

Pia
Switzerland

“The hotel owners are nice, many restaurants around hotel.”

Hon
Macao

“Nice people, gave us tips on where to eat and go in Kyoto. Futons were comfortable and clean. Hosts gave us souvenirs and picture. It was a private room with tatami mats for that traditional feel.”

Sheila
USA

“Great location, super clean and quiet. Staff could not have been more helpful with advice on the local attractions, bringing us hot tea on arrival and every time we returned from our days out.”

Jackie
United Kingdom

“The ryokan is located near Kyoto station and is easly reachable in few minutes by walking. The room was confortable and clean. The hosts are professional, helpful and very kind.”

Flavia
Italy

“Great location. 7-10 min walking distance from Kyoto station.
No food is served on the premises but the hosts are prepared with information and guidance to help guests find good places for all meals.”

Sorana
Canada

Stay in the heart of Kyoto
–
This neighbourhood is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, sightseeing and history – Check location
Excellent location - show map

About a 7-minute walk from JR Kyoto Train Station and a 3-minute walk to Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple, Ryokan Shimizu is a non-smoking property that provides air-conditioned Japanese rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Rental bicycles are available at an additional charge.

Guests at Shimizu Ryokan can experience traditional Japanese-style sleeping arrangements, with futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Rooms include a TV, a fridge and a tea maker. The en suite bath has toiletries.

Higashi-Hongan-ji Temple is a 5-minute walk away, while Gojo Subway Station is a 10-minute walk. Sanjusangen-do Temple is 1.2 miles away. On-site parking is possible, for a fee.

Housed in a traditional “machiya-zukuri” building, the hotel includes a small garden and a hot bath that can be reserved for private use. An internet PC can be used at the lobby, for a fee.

This hotel does not have a restaurant, and no meals are served on site. A variety of restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores are located within a 10-minute walk.

Shimogyo Ward is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, sightseeing and history.

This property is a ryokan, which is a type of traditional Japanese Inn. Learn more

What is a ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. They usually feature public baths, multi-course dinners, communal spaces where guests can relax, and rooms with woven-straw flooring and futon mats. Like hotels, a range of ryokans (from budget to luxury) is available. What originated centuries ago as a free rest house for long-distance travellers has evolved into a popular destination for relaxation in therapeutic mineral springs.

What are the major differences between a ryokan and a hotel?

Unlike a hotel, where the guest room is simply a place to turn in for the night, a ryokan is more than just an accommodation place to sleep. In Japan, many travellers journey long distances solely for the purpose of relaxing in a hot spring bath and feasting on a traditional multi-course dinner – thus making staying at a ryokan an experience in and of itself. These ryokans typically have Japanese-style rooms with woven-straw flooring and futon beds, instead of Western beds and carpeting. In addition, you remove your shoes at the entrance of the accommodation, or before you enter the room. Modern ryokan may serve buffet-style meals in a dining area, while a more traditional ryokan serves in-room dinners. Some ryokan rooms may come with a private bathroom, while others will only have a shared public bathroom.

What is a kaiseki meal?

Kaiseki is the culinary highlight at a ryokan, embodied in beautifully presented dishes that delight both the palate and the eyes. Each of the 10 to 15 dishes that make up the multi-course Japanese dinner is prepared in such a way that highlights the unique textures, colours, and flavours of the featured seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Served most commonly at special restaurants and ryokan, a traditional kaiseki dinner usually consists of bite-sized appetizers, fresh sashimi (raw fish), soup, grilled fish or meat, a hot pot dish, rice with miso soup, and a small dessert.

What is a yukata?

Yukata is a casual summer kimono typically made of light cotton. Many ryokans offer guests yukata robes during their stay. In some areas, it is common to see guests strolling through the neighbourhood in their yukata. The loose-fitting garment is perfect for relaxing and sleeping in.

How to wear a yukata

First, put your arms through the sleeves like you would with a shirt. Take the right side of the yukata and wrap it across your body. Then take the left side and wrap it over the right, making sure that the robe is levelled at your ankle. Pinning the yukata closed on the right side, wrap the sash around your waist a couple of times and then tie a bow. Generally, the bow is tied around the waist for women, and the hips for men.

What is a Japanese hot spring (onsen)?

Onsen (literally ‘hot spring’) is a term often used to refer to both the mineral-rich hot springs and the bathing facilities that house them. Whether the bath is public or private, gender-segregated or mixed, indoor or outdoor, soaking and unwinding in the soothing geothermal waters at an onsen is a millennia-old custom deeply embedded in Japanese culture.

Bathing procedures and etiquette

At a public bath – onsen or not – guests are expected to shed all their clothes in their respective changing rooms before entering the bathing area. As a common courtesy, once inside the bathing area, guests should wash and rinse their bodies thoroughly before quietly stepping into the hot water. Whether you relax in solitude or converse softly with others is up to you, but guests should always be mindful of others. Wash towels are often used to cover one’s private areas while walking around. However, note that you must not put towels in the water.

Why are tattoos not allowed?

While tattoos have become more popular among the youth of Japan, many Japanese people still associate them with outlaws and organized crime. Nowadays, not all businesses ban customers with tattoos, but you may still be refused admission to public baths and swimming pools. Small tattoos may be covered up using waterproof plasters, but keep in mind that each property has the final say on what’s acceptable.

This is our guests' favourite part of Kyoto, according to independent reviews.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the property. If guests are found smoking within property premises, they will be asked to leave immediately. No refunds will be given.

Please note that this property cannot accommodate solo travelers. In addition, 2-person rooms can only accommodate 2 persons, and 3-person rooms must be booked by a group of 3 guests.

Children including infants cannot be accommodated at this property. Guests with children will not be permitted to check-in, and will be charged cancellation fees.

The property will not be able to provide a room for guests checking in with children on the arrival day.

The hotel has a curfew at 00:00. Guests cannot enter or leave the hotel after this time.

When settling the bill, the hotel will accept cash only (in Japanese yen). The full amount of the reservation must be paid when checking in.

All rates are fixed and cannot be discounted.

For security reasons, only guests staying at this hotel are allowed in the guest rooms. Please note friends and family members visiting the guests are not permitted in the guest rooms.

Check-in before 16:00 is not possible. Luggage storage is offered free of charge from 08:00 on the check-in date.

Luggage storage is available free of charge until 16:00 after check-out Monday-Friday. Please note that luggage storage will not be available after check-out on Saturdays and Sundays. At an additional charge, luggage can be delivered to Kyoto Station.

To cancel or modify your booking, you must do so through your account on booking.com or via booking.com customer service.

An accommodation tax per person per night is not included in the price and needs to be paid at the property.

This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

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Real guests. Real stays. Real opinions.

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What guests loved the most:

“This ryokan has got a japanese bath. The staff is very welcoming.”

BénédicteFrance

“Fantastic service by owners. Smooth check in and luggage storage from 8am so we could explore Kyoto after arriving by overnight bus from Tokyo. Came home at 8.30pm and luggages was in room and bed set!”

JennaAustralia

“Staff is very nice, the private onsen is amazing for relaxing after the day.”

RaphaelFrance

“Convenient location for accessing Kyoto station. Staff were incredibly hospitable, and helpful. Rooms were very clean, and immaculately prepared prior to arrival. Private bath available for booking, and was very relaxing.”

BradleyAustralia

“The option for a reservation for a private time for the bath was very nice! And the hosts are very friendly, welcoming and helpful with further information for Kyoto :-)”

PiaSwitzerland

“The hotel owners are nice, many restaurants around hotel.”

HonMacao

“Nice people, gave us tips on where to eat and go in Kyoto. Futons were comfortable and clean. Hosts gave us souvenirs and picture. It was a private room with tatami mats for that traditional feel.”

SheilaUSA

“Great location, super clean and quiet. Staff could not have been more helpful with advice on the local attractions, bringing us hot tea on arrival and every time we returned from our days out. A lovely oasis”

JackieUnited Kingdom

“The ryokan is located near Kyoto station and is easly reachable in few minutes by walking. The room was confortable and clean. The hosts are professional, helpful and very kind. There is a private onsen. Our staying was perfect. Absolutely recommended!”

FlaviaItaly

“Great location. 7-10 min walking distance from Kyoto station.
No food is served on the premises but the hosts are prepared with information and guidance to help guests find good places for all meals.
The ryokan is extremely clean and quiet.
The hosts speak basic English, enough to get by and are super nice.”

Lovely welcoming owners. Good location in a quiet neighborhood, yet convenient to the station.

Stayed in September 2019

Reviewed: 27 August 2019

Bénédicte

France

9.6

“Beautiful stay in kyoto next to the train station”

• Leisure trip

• Couple

• Stayed 3 nights

• Submitted via mobile

This ryokan has got a japanese bath. The staff is very welcoming.

Stayed in August 2019

Reviewed: 17 August 2019

Nicholas

United Kingdom

10

“We wanted a traditional Ryokan and this ticked all the boxes, it was a truly lovely stay.”

• Leisure trip

• Family with young children

• Stayed 1 night

Nothing

A lovely calm, peaceful and family run ryokan. They made us very welcome, the onsen bath was a real bonus.

Stayed in July 2019

Reviewed: 4 August 2019

Jenna

Australia

9.2

“Personalised and helpful service with maps and recommendations. Photos and Kimonos was a bonus!”

• Leisure trip

• Group

• Stayed 2 nights

I wish there was more hangers / shelves for bath area at the front of our room - so we can put our toiletries / clothes in dry, accessible areas.

Fantastic service by owners. Smooth check in and luggage storage from 8am so we could explore Kyoto after arriving by overnight bus from Tokyo. Came home at 8.30pm and luggages was in room and bed set!

Stayed in August 2019

Reviewed: 3 August 2019

Diane

USA

9.6

Exceptional

• Leisure trip

• Solo traveller

• Stayed 1 night

• Submitted via mobile

The staff here was amazing. So friendly, approachable, and helpful. Went out of their way to help us plan our time in Kyoto and answers all of our many questions patiently and with happiness. Private bath was lovely and you can use without charge.

Stayed in August 2019

Reviewed: 21 July 2019

Hallie

South Korea

8.3

“Great experience 👍”

• Leisure trip

• Family with young children

• Stayed 1 night

• Submitted via mobile

The doors in our room weren't the clean ....could use a scrub

The staff !

Stayed in July 2019

Reviewed: 30 June 2019

Raphael

France

9.6

Exceptional

• Leisure trip

• Couple

• Stayed 2 nights

• Submitted via mobile

Nothing

Staff is very nice, the private onsen is amazing for relaxing after the day.

Stayed in June 2019

Reviewed: 30 June 2019

Ingrid

USA

9.6

“Incredibly friendly staff who went above and beyond to make the stay comfortable. ”

• Leisure trip

• Couple

• Stayed 3 nights

• Submitted via mobile

Farther away from the sites but was close to all public transportation options to get there.

Spacious traditional style Japanese Ryokan rooms. Easy walk from Kyoto station. They have a private onsen on site to use and offer other extra classes such as calligraphy.

Stayed in June 2019

Reviewed: 25 June 2019

Sherry

Singapore

8.3

“Pleasant ryokan with fantastic hosts”

• Leisure trip

• Family with young children

• Stayed 3 nights

• Submitted via mobile

Pillows were too soft.

Very friendly hosts who went out of the way to delight us

Stayed in June 2019

Reviewed: 22 June 2019

Bradley

Australia

1 helpful vote

10

Exceptional

• Leisure trip

• Couple

• Stayed 1 night

• Submitted via mobile

N/A

Convenient location for accessing Kyoto station. Staff were incredibly hospitable, and helpful. Rooms were very clean, and immaculately prepared prior to arrival. Private bath available for booking, and was very relaxing.

Stayed in June 2019

Reviewed: 21 June 2019

Pia

Switzerland

9.2

“We felt very welcome - thank you :)”

• Leisure trip

• Couple

• Stayed 2 nights

• Submitted via mobile

The option for a reservation for a private time for the bath was very nice! And the hosts are very friendly, welcoming and helpful with further information for Kyoto :-)

Stayed in June 2019

Reviewed: 17 June 2019

Hon

Macao

6.7

“Just for one night is okay, nothing special.”

• Leisure trip

• Group

• Stayed 1 night

Only 1 parking lot provided, so please make reservation in advance.

The hotel owners are nice, many restaurants around hotel.

Stayed in June 2019

Reviewed: 10 June 2019

Anonymous

Spain

3 helpful votes

6.7

“Not impressed”

• Leisure trip

• Couple

• Stayed 1 night

I booked this property to experience Japanese ryokan. Not my cup of tea. It is very basic and uncomfortable, nowhere to sit comfortably, tiny towels, worn out yukatas. It is not cheap as some people state, for a little more money I stayed at a five stars hotel with breakfast included. I don't really understand the superlatives.

Very friendly and attentive staff/owner. Tea served on arrival. Quite and clean property.

Stayed in May 2019

Reviewed: 7 June 2019

Anonymous

United Kingdom

8.8

Fabulous

• Leisure trip

• Couple

• Stayed 3 nights

• Submitted via mobile

The location. Had I known more about Kyoto I would have booked accommodation closer to Gion

The ryokan was very homey and it’s been perfectly constructed with private bathrooms attached to each room